• Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) rejected the idea of a preemptive pardon from President Biden, stating it could imply guilt and emphasizing he has “nothing to hide” regarding his work on the Jan. 6 Committee.
  • Kinzinger accused Trump of planning to misuse investigatory powers to target critics, financially and emotionally draining opponents as a form of deterrence.
  • In contrast, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS) expressed openness to accepting a pardon if offered by Biden, highlighting differing approaches to potential political retaliation.

Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) firmly rejected the idea of receiving a preemptive pardon from President Joe Biden, even as President-elect Donald Trump vows to target political opponents, including those who served on the House Jan. 6 Committee. Kinzinger made his position clear during a Monday interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, highlighting potential implications of accepting such a pardon.

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Kinzinger: Pardon Would Signal Guilt

Kinzinger, one of two Republicans on the Jan. 6 Committee, alongside former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY), stood by his work investigating Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Speaking to the possibility of a pardon, he said, “No, I don’t want it… The second you take a pardon, it looks like you’re guilty of something. I’m guilty of nothing besides bringing the truth to the American people.” His remarks came amid Trump’s repeated claims that committee members should face prosecution. Last month, Trump stated they should “all go to jail.”

Kinzinger also alleged Trump would abuse investigatory powers to harass critics, using legal tactics to financially and emotionally drain those who oppose him. “It’s about deterring critics,” he explained, referencing potential costly legal battles.

Thompson: Pardon Is Biden’s Choice

In contrast, Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-MS), who chaired the Jan. 6 Committee, expressed a different perspective. He told CNN he would accept a preemptive pardon if Biden chose to offer it. “The president, it’s his prerogative,” Thompson said. “If he offers it… I would accept it, but it’s his choice.”

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This divergence between Kinzinger and Thompson underscores the broader partisan debate surrounding the Jan. 6 investigation and its aftermath. While Kinzinger aims to avoid any perception of wrongdoing, Thompson signals openness to Biden’s intervention to potentially shield committee members from Trump’s retaliation.

Trump’s Threats and Key Nominees

Trump has intensified his rhetoric against the Jan. 6 Committee. His nominee to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, has pledged to pursue investigations against Trump’s adversaries. Trump’s allies frame these threats as accountability, though critics argue they aim to silence dissent.

At the same time, speculation grows about whether Biden may issue pardons to committee members and others facing potential targeting under Trump’s administration. Some argue such preemptive action could provide protection, while others warn it risks framing recipients as guilty parties.

What do you think about Kinzinger’s stance on rejecting a pardon? Should Biden issue preemptive pardons to protect those involved in the Jan. 6 investigation? Share your opinions in the comments section below!

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